MATSAPHA – Mbabane Highlanders’ junior development programme received a major boost yesterday when Njengebantfu Investment donated playing and training equipment worth E78 000 to the club’s Under-15 and Under-17 teams.
The sponsorship presented at the company’s Matsapha premises includes two sets of black and white playing kits, three footballs and 10 training cones.
Speaking during the handover representatives said no football club could achieve long-term success without investing in youth development.
“There is no team that can succeed without focusing on development. Many great players started their journeys in junior structures and we are pleased that Mbabane Highlanders has revived and prioritised its development programme,” they said.
Njengebantfu Investment Marketing Manager Nobuhle Mhlabane said the company was proud to partner with one of Eswatini’s biggest football brands.
“We supply some of the best cement in the country and have contributed to many of Eswatini’s landmark buildings. We also provide ceiling solutions, partitions, opening solutions and concrete roof tiles.
“We are proud to be part of Mbabane Highlanders’ development programme. Today we are helping to fill a gap through teamwork and we are happy to play our part behind the scenes.
“Our support is not limited to this kit donation. We have agreed to assist wherever we can and we will continue engaging the club’s management to identify other areas where we can contribute.
“This sponsorship is our way of supporting talent and giving back to the community. Our company started from humble beginnings and the community has played a significant role in our growth. We want to see these young players succeed on the biggest stages and proudly remember that Njengebantfu Investment believed in them from the beginning. This is not a once-off sponsorship.”
Programme director Siyabonga ‘Sukz’ Sukati encouraged the youngsters to value the lessons football teaches beyond the pitch.
“Football does not only develop playing skills. It teaches leadership, discipline and many important life skills.”
Mbabane Highlanders Head of Development Dumsani Mabuza thanked the sponsors for believing in the club’s vision.
“I would like to acknowledge our Under-15 coach Sibusiso Sambo and Under-17 coach Sabelo Phiri for their commitment to developing these youngsters.
“We are grateful to Njengebantfu Investment for this generous sponsorship and we promise to make you proud. Mbabane Highlanders is a respected brand and we will continue playing with heart, pride and respect. “Our Under-15 side is currently third in the league and we will ensure that the resources you have invested in us produce positive results.”
Club legend Brian Sibandze said junior football was the foundation of future success.
“Football teaches discipline and teamwork. The development stage is where young players discover and build their abilities. By the time they move to senior teams they are expected to perform immediately.
“I am delighted that this is not the end of the sponsorship as the sponsors have committed to offering further support in the future. Mbabane Highlanders is not dying – it is rising again and we hope to see more stars emerge from this development programme.”
Njengebantfu Investment Director Sehli Nxumalo thanked everyone who attended the ceremony and encouraged the public to support local businesses.
“We invite the community to support us so that we can continue supporting initiatives such as this. Visit us in Matsapha next to the railway line. Thank you all for coming.”
